Saudi Arabia’s Trade Snapshot 2025

Saudi Arabia’s international trade landscape continues to evolve in 2025, reflecting its Vision 2030 goal of a diversified, globally connected economy. While hydrocarbons remain central, the Kingdom’s export mix and logistics profile are rapidly expanding to include high-value industrial goods, chemicals, and technology-driven sectors.

The Big Picture

According to the General Authority for Statistics, total trade in April 2025 reached SAR 166.4 billion, driven by SAR 90.3 billion in exports and SAR 76.1 billion in imports, resulting in a positive trade balance of SAR 14.2 billion.

Sea transport continues to dominate both imports and exports, accounting for nearly 57% of total trade flow, followed by land (26%) and air (17%) channels. This underscores the strategic role of Saudi ports — particularly Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdullah Port, and Dammam — as regional trade hubs linking Asia, Africa, and Europe.

What the Kingdom Sells

Oil remains the anchor, but non-oil exports are steadily gaining share. The most dynamic segments in 2025 include:

• Mineral products (SAR 62.4B) — still the backbone of exports but increasingly complemented by refined and downstream derivatives.

• Plastics & Rubber (SAR 6.2B) — supported by Saudi Arabia’s strong petrochemical base.

• Chemical and allied industries (SAR 6.0B) — reflecting Riyadh’s push to move up the value chain.

• Machinery & Electrical Equipment (SAR 5.2B) — signaling early diversification into industrial and technological goods.

• Transport Equipment (SAR 4.3B) — driven by exports of vehicles, parts, and aerospace components.

This export evolution aligns with Vision 2030’s Industrial Strategy, which seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a regional manufacturing hub powered by advanced materials, automation, and logistics connectivity.

What the Kingdom Buys

Imports highlight Saudi Arabia’s expanding industrialization and consumer demand. In April 2025, the top imported categories were:

• Machinery & Electrical Equipment (SAR 22.1B) — essential for industrial automation, power generation, and smart infrastructure.

• Vehicles & Transport Equipment (SAR 13.1B) — reflecting both consumer mobility needs and transport infrastructure projects.

• Chemicals & Allied Industries (SAR 7.2B) — inputs for local manufacturing and healthcare.

• Base Metals (SAR 6.6B) — underpinning construction, renewables, and defense sectors.

• Jewelry & Precious Stones (SAR 4.9B) — highlighting a growing luxury and retail market.

These imports reveal Saudi Arabia’s dual trajectory — building local manufacturing capabilities while meeting rising demand from a fast-growing population and an expanding middle class.

Who Saudi Trades With

Saudi Arabia’s trade corridors show a clear Asia-centric orientation, complemented by robust ties with Western partners.

Top export destinations in 2025:

• China (SAR 11.4B) — a key energy buyer and industrial partner.

• Japan (SAR 9.1B) and South Korea (SAR 7.6B) — strong in petrochemical and energy trade.

• UAE (SAR 8.9B) — a key re-export and logistics partner.

• India (SAR 7.6B) — fast-growing demand for Saudi energy and chemicals. saudi

Top import sources:

• China (SAR 19.0B) — dominates as supplier of machinery, electronics, and manufactured goods.

• USA (SAR 5.7B) — key provider of advanced technology and aerospace equipment.

• UAE (SAR 5.2B) — regional trade and re-export gateway.

• India (SAR 4.2B) and Germany (SAR 3.6B) — leaders in pharmaceuticals, metals, and precision engineering.

These relationships reflect Saudi Arabia’s balanced trade diplomacy, ensuring supply chain resilience and global integration.

The Road Ahead

Saudi Arabia’s trade ecosystem is evolving from energy exporter to industrial powerhouse and logistics hub.
Key levers shaping its future trajectory include:

• Economic diversification under Vision 2030, channeling FDI into manufacturing, renewables, and logistics.

• New trade agreements that open access to Asian, African, and European markets.

• Sustainability-driven industries, from green hydrogen to circular economy products, set to redefine non-oil exports.